Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#481725 05/15/23 12:42 PM
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1
OldTom Offline OP
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1
Hate to do it but too old and infirm not to. Artifical knees, drop foot and many back surgeries dictate switching to automatic - DARN IT!

I have a couple 700 automatics and I guess thats a good way to go in my 1959 impala.

My first question is I know I have to cut the front section of the drive shaft but how do I measure the one in it, but what do I tell the machinest I want the length to be. It will be done by a professional drive shaft shop and balanced.

I sure am glad to find this site because it narrows the conversations to the 3 years that are close to the same.

Also, my car is Gothic gold and I'm replacing the column with an automatic one out of a 1960 (close enough and is lit) and can't find any dash paint that even come close. Have sent the glove box door to several classic paint suppliers and none of the paint coming back is even close. The factory codes are (Medium copper) 21783 or 93144.

Anyone who has matched this, your solution would be appreciated. I've even tried to buy a nice column with good paint on it but no luck.

I looked for this car for over 50 years (color, 4 door sedan and rust free) and this will be my final build.

Thanks.

Join VCCA For Technical Help

VCCA members have access to a list of over 50 Technical Advisors who can help you with your car. It's worth the price of membership! While you can get a lot of information for free in this forum, sometimes the info that you REALLY need is only available from the right person. This is what "The World's Best Chevrolet Club" is all about!


JOIN THE VCCA TODAY!

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Online Content
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
Here are a couple of ideas to consider.

For the column paint, let your local pint store do a match on the glove box. They probably have an analyzer that reads the paint. Then it provides a basic recipe for a paint mix that will match. Some stores can even put it into aerosol cans.

With respect to driveshaft length here is the way I do it. The most difficult part is that the car has to be on the ground, a drive on lift, or the front suspension and rear axle need to be sitting on leave jackstands. The idea is that you want the car sitting in a normally loaded position.

Install the output yoke onto the transmission output shaft. Removing it from the driveshaft makes this easier.

Slide the yoke to the all the way in position. Then slide it out until the end of the shaft is flush with the yoke. Position it halfway between those positions. Measure the distance between the u-joint saddles in the yokes.

Or check the parts book and see if it tells the driveshaft length for that model car with the engine and transmission.

Others might have their ideas to help.


Rusty

VCCA #44680
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
Rusty has covered everything well. My local driveshaft shop to measure between the front of the pinion shaft and the rear of the transmission shaft. They then calculate the required lengths, of the 5 or 6 they have done for me they got it right each time.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
I believe you will find good measurement techniques from a driveline / ujoint company, such as Spicer or Dana online.

Seems I remember illustrations, as well.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
ChatMaster - 6,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 6,000
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 41
Best way is to talk to them and they will tell you what measurements they want. If there is a special flange / slip joint needed you might need to supply that too.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Hey Old Tom….

Are you out there ?

I’ve re-read your concerns about drive shaft cutting, etc.

On the stick shift tranny ……Measure the distance( overall length ) from where the bell housing bolts to the rear of the block to the tip of the output shaft.

Now do the same with the 700, measure the distance ( overall
length ) from where the 700 bolts to the block to the tip of the 700 output shaft.

The difference in the two lengths is the amount that needs to come off the front prop shaft.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 107
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Offline
Hall Monitor
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 107
Guys, must not be much of a concern. The OP hasn't been back on site since he posted the question.


VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Yep, I agree,



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
ChatMaster - 4,000
Online Content
ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,021
Likes: 99
Another “drive by” posting. Post and run!


Rusty

VCCA #44680

Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
4 members (Rustoholic, Stovblt, Rusty 37 Master, Buckaroo01), 72 guests, and 22 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
aristech, RalphL, tonysk
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,071
Posts429,059
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5